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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
MR. LI YIU BOR seconded.
He said: You will agree, sir, that there is need for a zoological garden in Hong Kong, even though we do not go so far back into history as my colleague has done. A zoological garden is of great educational value, and I am sure that it will be a great boon to both pupils and teachers. It is at the same time a tourist attraction, although at present we are not in a position to say how much the local hotel business will eventually benefit from the proposed scheme. Furthermore, it is an added amenity for the people of the Colony.
I find it particularly easy to support the motion as the mover has not suggested any site, nor has he mentioned the cost of the project. He is wise to leave all details of the project to experts.
When the zoological garden is finally completed, I wonder if my colleague will suggest the employment of lion-dancers to train the live lions to do a few traditional Chinese dances for the entertainment of visitors. (Laughter).
MR. BERNACCHI :--I-indeed, may I say we-will support Mr. Cheong-Leen's motion, but I think perhaps for different reasons than those that have so far been put forward by the proposer and the seconder. If the reasons they have put forward were the only reasons I would be inclined to think that private enterprise is already launching, as Mr. Cheong-Leen has pointed out, on ventures of this nature that could very well be left to them to develop. I feel, however, that there is a need for matters of this nature to be brought under a municipal, or in this case of course, an urban authority rather than private enterprise.
I feel that the approach to a zoological garden should be that it is a public amenity rather than a private money-making concern and I feel that by having the zoological garden under a public authority we are more likely to ensure a better display with greater space being made available and less likelihood of any cruelty to the animals themselves resulting. I do regard the care of the animals as of just as much importance as the enjoyment of the public and I feel very strongly that if in Hong Kong we are to have a zoological garden, then it should be properly organized under a municipality with adequate space made available and adequate supervision for the care and treatment of the animals themselves.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
207
MR. WATSON :—Just one more point on clarification. I was intrigued by Mr. Cheong-Leen's reference to Stonecutters' Island as a possible site and I was just wondering how the tourists are expected to get to Stonecutters' Island. Can I hope that the suggestion implies some indirect support for my scheme for linking the island, the mainland and Stonecutters by means of the western approaches? (Laughter).
CHAIRMAN :--Most cities of the size of Hong Kong have a zoological garden, and I agree that such an amenity would undoubtedly be popular.
There are however few cities where land shortages are so acute and it may be extremely difficult to make available a suitable area. There is also the question of expense—not merely the capital cost but subsequent maintenance. An elephant, for instance, can eat about two tons of fodder each day and may provide relatively little more entertainment than the cheerful Kookaburrah. I would also mention once again the very recent formation of a private zoo just outside the Urban area and this may well prove a rival attraction.
With these words of caution, I have much pleasure in supporting the motion.
MR. SALES :—I wish to associate myself with the very modest motion which Mr. Cheong-Leen has put forward today. He has merely suggested that this Council should consider the desirability of starting a zoo. Now, whether it is practical or not only research will tell in due course. However, there are two points which arise and which I think could bear discussion by the appropriate Select Committee to which this most fascinating subject would be consigned in due course.
One is the appeal of a zoo to tourists coming into Hong Kong. Mr. Cheong-Leen has suggested that tourists might stay a third day in Hong Kong and possibly be put up in the zoo. I am not so sure whether this suggestion would meet with very strong agreement on the part of such tourists as would come within his classification and be eligible to stay in our zoo.
The next point which should merit the support of the staff of your Department, Mr. Chairman, is that the zoo would provide a habitat for the many denizens of our civilized jungle which they
Page 114 of 139
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Page 113 of 139
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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
MR. LI YIU BOR seconded.
He said: You will agree, sir, that there is need for a zoological garden in Hong Kong, even though we do not go so far back into history as my colleague has done. A zoological garden is of great educational value, and I am sure that it will be a great boon to both pupils and teachers. It is at the same time a tourist attraction, although at present we are not in a position to say how much the local hotel business will eventually benefit from the proposed scheme. Furthermore, it is an added amenity for the people of the Colony.
I find it particularly easy to support the motion as the mover has not suggested any site, nor has he mentioned the cost of the
He is wise to leave all details of the project to experts.
200.
When the zoological garden is finally completed, I wonder if my colleague will suggest the employment of lion-dancers to train the live lions to do a few traditional Chinese dances for the entertainment of visitors. (Laughter).
MR. BERNACCHI :--
-I-indeed, may I say we-will support Mr. Cheong-Leen's motion, but I think perhaps for different reasons than those that have so far been put forward by the proposer and the seconder. If the reasons they have put forward were the only reasons I would be inclined to think that private enterprise is already launching, as Mr. Cheong-Leen has pointed out, on ventures of this nature that could very well be left to them to develop. I feel, however, that there is a need for matters of this nature to be brought under a municipal, or in this case of course, an urban authority rather than private enterprise. I feel that the approach to a zoological garden should be that it is a public amenity rather than a private money making concern and I feel that by having the zoological garden under a public authority we are more likely to ensure a better display with greater space being made available and less likelihood of any cruelty to the animals themselves resulting. I do regard the care of the animals as of just as much importance as the enjoyment of the public and I feel very strongly that if in Hong Kong we are to have a zoological garden, then it should be properly organized under a municipality with adequate space made available and adequate supervision for the care and treatment of the animals themselves.
HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
207
I was
MR. WATSON :—Just one more point on clarification. intrigued by Mr. Cheong-Leen's reference to Stonecutters' Island as a possible site and I was just wondering how the tourists are expected to get to Stonecutters' Island. Can I hope that the suggestion implies some indirect support for my scheme for link- ing the island, the mainland and Stonecutters by means of the western approaches? (Laughter).
CHAIRMAN :--Most cities of the size of Hong Kong have a zoological garden, and I agree that such an amenity would un- doubtedly be popular.
There are however few cities where land shortages are so acute and it may be extremely difficult to make available a suitable area. There is also the question of expense—not merely the capital cost but subsequent maintenance. An elephant, for instance, can eat about two tons of fodder each day and may provide relatively little more entertainment than the cheerful Kookaburrah. I would also mention once again the very recent formation of a private zoo just outside the Urban area and this may well prove a rival
attraction.
With these words of caution, I have much pleasure in sup- porting the motion.
MR. SALES :—I wish to associate myself with the very modest motion which Mr. Cheong-Leen has put forward today. He has merely suggested that this Council should consider the desirability of starting a zoo. Now, whether it is practical or not only research will tell in due course. However, there are two points which arise and which I think could bear discussion by the appropriate Select Committee to which this most fascinating subject would be con- signed in due course.
One is the appeal of a zoo to tourists coming into Hong Kong. Mr. Cheong-Leen' has suggested that tourists might stay a third day in Hong Kong and possibly be put up in the zoo. I am not so sure whether this suggestion would meet with very strong agreement on the part of such tourists as would come within his classification and be eligible to stay in our zoo.
The next point which should merit the support of the staff of your Department, Mr. Chairman, is that the zoo would provide a habitat for the many denizens of our civilized jungle which they
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